Liverpool urged to snub Trent Alexander-Arnold return after bombshell rumours | Football | Sport

Liverpool should not entertain the idea of re-signing Trent Alexander-Arnold following his ill-fated move to Real Madrid, says Danny Murphy. The right-back, who controversially left his childhood club for a new challenge in Spain last year, has reportedly been told by Real’s manager Alvaro Arbeloa that he is surplus to requirements and can depart in the summer. Despite only being in Madrid for half a season, things have not gone smoothly for Alexander-Arnold.

He joined the Spanish giants for £10million ahead of the Club World Cup but has been plagued by injuries during the 2025/26 season, making just 11 appearances across all competitions. With Arbeloa favouring Fede Valverde at right-back and Dani Carvajal returning from injury, Alexander-Arnold’s future looks uncertain. Spanish media reports suggest that Arbeloa has informed Alexander-Arnold he does not feature in his long-term plans, although this claim has since been disputed.

This has sparked speculation about a potential return to the Premier League, but ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy insists it shouldn’t be with the Reds.

“No. I think that would be a difficult one to sell to the fans,” Murphy told BestBettingSites when asked if Alexander-Arnold would be welcomed back to Liverpool. “Also, not many players go back to a former club and succeed. The succession plan has to be about moving forward and evolving the team. So no, I don’t think that would work.”

Despite the controversial nature of his exit last year, Alexander-Arnold received a heartfelt send-off from the Liverpool faithful following his 354th appearance in May. “He deserved it. I am very happy for him and everyone in and around the club that things worked out the way they did,” Arne Slot commented at the time.

“It was fantastic when our fans are united. Their brilliance before, during and after the Tottenham match was unparalleled. I don’t think you see as many special celebrations as you saw four weeks ago.

“I don’t think you see many celebrations like we had them today. It’s no surprise to me that they (the fans) were brilliant again today as they were throughout the whole season, as they were towards Trent.”

Alexander-Arnold is currently out of action with a thigh injury, following a hamstring issue. This not only casts doubt on his status at Real, but also jeopardises his chances of securing a spot in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup. He was omitted from the squad by Thomas Tuchel in November and faces a tough fight to make the cut, even if he recovers in time.

“It’s my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent,” Tuchel stated at the time, after selecting Alexander-Arnold’s former Liverpool team-mate Jarell Quansah instead. “Players that are on our longlist, 55, 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here.

“Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve. Can they even do something or is it just a choice? So this is my job in the next weeks and months.”